§ 2.21 p.m.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state their timetable for legislation for the reconstruction which they have proposed of the water industry.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER- SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, it is hoped that legislation will be introduced at the earliest possible opportunity. Meanwhile, the remaining consultation papers on the National Water Council, the Amenity Use of Water Space and the reorganisation of the British Waterways Board are being issued this week. I will send the noble Lord copies.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that the very long delay, almost amounting to deadlock, on the issue of the consultation papers with regard to the future of land drainage has raised doubts as to whether 1099 Her Majesty's Government intend to go ahead with legislation in the next Session? Is my noble friend further aware that as there are several other possible solutions as suggested by the Central Advisory Water Committee for the future structure of the water industry, these are now being widely discussed as alternatives to the one that the Government have already suggested? Can my noble friend give us further words of reassurance that the Government really do intend to go ahead now?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, my noble friend will know that I cannot anticipate the Queen's Speech on legislation for the next Session, but on the particular point with which he opened his supplementary question. I can confirm that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food intends to issue a statement very shortly on the future of land drainage.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that the delay in settling this matter is having a seriously unsettling effect throughout the whole water industry? And is my noble friend also aware that there is a general wish throughout the whole community to see cleaner rivers and greater supplies of water to meet the needs of the community? A lengthier transition is going to mean a complete standstill in all the plans of the existing authorities. Will my noble friend please take the thought on board that decision is really urgent?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, the need for decisions and very early legislation is a view fully shared by my right honourable friend.
§ LORD PEDDIEMy Lords, is not the noble Lord aware that in my opinion the water industry has co-operated exceedingly well in the initial discussion stages? Would he not agree that indecision on the part of the Government at the present moment would have a very serious effect upon the general attitude of the water industry?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I am very much aware of those facts.
§ LORD ROYLEMy Lords, can the noble Lord say what point of priority this 1100 legislation might take in next Session's legislation?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I will not be drawn to that extent.